During sa participation au 82e congress of the Fédération québécoise des municipalities (FQM), the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Mme Andrée Laforest announced $50 million to help communities maintain and ensure access to local businesses. This assistance will improve access to services such as convenience stores, grocery stores or stations-servicefor citizens of municipalities with less than 20,000 inhabitants in order to contribute to the vitality of the regions.
The projects submitted must allow communities to have access to products that meet their daily needs, such as food, everyday consumer goods, fuel and even construction materials. Each business whose project is selected will be able to benefit from assistance of up to $150,000.
The minister, like the Prime Minister, Mr. François Legault, the day before, also took advantage of her presence before the FQM to recall that the government has fulfilled its commitment to perpetuate the sharing of the growth of one point of the QST with municipalities. As requested by the FQM, an envelope of 10% will be reserved specifically to support municipalities which face issues linked to their remoteness and their economic vitality.
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“Our government is committed to the development of our regions and the maintenance of local businesses. I am proud that we are doing this. This is an important first step to promote local development and the dynamism of our village hearts. I invite municipalities to work in consultation with entrepreneurs interested in submitting promising projects for their population. I’m sure there will be enthusiasm! »
Andrée Laforest, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister responsible for Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Member of Parliament for Chicoutimi
“Local shops are essential for our regions. When the central business of a small municipality is forced to close its doors, everyone suffers. This new component of the Regions and Rurality Fund will make a real difference in small municipalities, and our government will be there to support businesses and ensure their development and sustainability. »
Éric Girard, Member of Parliament for Lac-Saint-Jean, parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs
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